Southeastern US Recovers from Hurricane Helene's Devastation

The southeastern United States began a massive cleanup and recovery effort on Sunday, September 29th, after Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury, leaving a trail of destruction across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The storm's powerful winds, relentless rain, and devastating storm surges caused widespread power outages, destroyed roads and bridges, and triggered catastrophic flooding.

The death toll from Hurricane Helene climbed to at least 60, with officials fearing the number could rise as search and rescue efforts continued. Damage estimates ranged from US$15 billion to over US$100 billion, highlighting the immense economic impact of the disaster.

The storm's wrath was particularly evident in western North Carolina, where Mount Mitchell in Yancey County received nearly 76cm of rain, according to the National Weather Service. The relentless downpour caused widespread flooding, leaving many communities submerged and inaccessible.

With millions facing power outages and infrastructure severely damaged, the recovery effort is expected to be long and arduous. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors and assess the full extent of the damage, while communities grapple with the loss of loved ones and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.